The Cast:
Apo - Launderer (all the way from Sibu)
Betty -Tea Lady (from Adelaide)
Mary - Master Chef (from Kuala Lumpur)
Me - Remote Controller (not to be confused with the Fat Controller) (the local)
Julie - who remotely enjoy the trip with us from Hong Kong
The Story line: The Remote Controller has to make sure the others get the chores done - cooking and washing. In all honesty, it was the most stressful role, making sure the rest live up to their side of the bargain.
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| From left: Mary, Betty, Apo and me |
Day 0 (10 April) - Arrival of Apo
The first to arrive was Apo. We caught up briefly last year when I went back to Sibu after losing contact for 30+ years. We arrived at the hotel after 12 midnight and talked till 4am in the morning. Not sure how we managed to get out of bed and spent the day in Melbourne - visited Queen Victoria Market and Federation Square.We thought we would be too tired and had an early night, alas, we talked till 2 or 3 am, I have no idea how I can get up to pick up the other two the next morning.
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| Federation Square |
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| Melbourne - Yarra River |
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| Melbourne - Yarra River |
Day 1 (11 April) - Case of the missing luggage and blessings of the dishwasher
Next to arrive was Mary - we haven't seen each other since 1982. Her flight was delayed for an hour, which was good news for Apo and me, we got that extra few minutes of sleep.When Mary and I finally met, it was like time has stood still all these years and we just picked up where we left off. We talked and laughed just like we did when we were in high school.
Betty's flight was cancelled, and she has to fly to Sydney first, then Melbourne. Meanwhile the three of us visited Westfield Shopping Center at Doncaster to have lunch and did some shopping.
Betty arrived without her luggage - it has gone missing. An hour later, we took off to Phillip Island, stopped at Springvale to get dinner and some groceries.
We finally arrived at Bayview Apartment where we spent the week.
Mary, the master chef cooked us dinner and decided to show Apo how to use the dishwasher. Instead of putting the detergent where the allocated slot is, she was sprinkling the detergent all over the dishwasher. We commemorated the event as 'Blessings of the dishwasher'. Who would have thought the 'high-flyer' doesn't know how to use a dishwasher!
Mary's Kitchen Rule: DO NOT let Betty go near the kitchen which cooking. Mary was cooking perfect egg, that was still whole, along came Betty who just broke it and called it 'scrambled egg!' Then Mary turned her back and Betty started to add extra ingredient, I just watched in horror and speechless! Mary turned around and asked Betty what she was doing, in her most loving tone. Betty claimed that she was just 'helping' - the 'Best Supporting Chef' award has just been won!
Good news finally: Betty's luggage arrived around 2am. Phew, there is no need to share undies!
Day 2 (12 April) - Mary's Wedding
We managed to get out of bed to drive an hour to Coal Creek Farmers Market. We bought some organic produce here - peas, honey, sweet corn, olive oil etc. We tasted dim sims and spring rolls at the stall called 'Harry Hoo' who is actually NOT Chinese. Apo tasted the olive oil without dipping the bread into it, we figured that she must be hungry.
We stopped at 'The Old Post Office Corner Shop' and found this book, "WINE makes mummy clever". Now you know why I am so clever!
I was tricked into buying a big bucket of honey which 'they' enjoyed for the rest of the week - they used honey for everything: cooking, making 'honey lemon' tea, spread on crumpet, "anti-aging hair shampoo".
We also found out that Mary doesn't like to attend wedding. So we told her this is what her wedding would look like if she ever has one ...
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| Mary's wedding reception at Austral Hotel Korrumburra |
Now, looked how worried Mary was ...
And this is her payback - "Buy One Get One Free!" We all know who the freebie is!
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| More like advertising for Kathmandu clothing |
There is an exhibition on showcasing art pieces created using recycled material.
Apo and I found the dress we are wearing to reunion dinner next year.
We stopped at 'The Old Post Office Corner Shop' and found this book, "WINE makes mummy clever". Now you know why I am so clever!
On the other hand, have a look at Mary ...
We stopped at the Chocolate factory on the way back.
Day 3 (13 April) - Apo found her home
We went to Cowes Trash and Treasure Market today. Only one of us found this an interesting place. Mary thought Apo was negotiating to take over one of the stalls!
Lost & Found: Mary started to get worried when Apo still hasn't turned up after a long time (over an hour, we lost track of time), so being the caring one, she went looking for her. Betty and I were not concerned at all, we didn't think we could lose a grown-up woman. Mary came back and claimed she couldn't find Apo anywhere! Now I started to panic and went looking for the missing woman, I was getting worried because I couldn't find any trace of her. So Betty and I went to look for Apo in the toilet. She wasn't there. Just when we started to panic a bit, I saw the devil, she was still in that first stall!
Betty bought some Turkish bread which we ate with Mary's home-cooked curry for dinner. Where did we get the curry paste for cooking? Well, I am so glad you asked. You see, Mary 'gave' me the curry paste as 'gift', then she decided she wanted it back! I am so lucky to have a friend like Mary and she couldn't stop telling me how much she loves me! Mary's gift is like boomerang ...
Lost & Found: Mary started to get worried when Apo still hasn't turned up after a long time (over an hour, we lost track of time), so being the caring one, she went looking for her. Betty and I were not concerned at all, we didn't think we could lose a grown-up woman. Mary came back and claimed she couldn't find Apo anywhere! Now I started to panic and went looking for the missing woman, I was getting worried because I couldn't find any trace of her. So Betty and I went to look for Apo in the toilet. She wasn't there. Just when we started to panic a bit, I saw the devil, she was still in that first stall!
Betty bought some Turkish bread which we ate with Mary's home-cooked curry for dinner. Where did we get the curry paste for cooking? Well, I am so glad you asked. You see, Mary 'gave' me the curry paste as 'gift', then she decided she wanted it back! I am so lucky to have a friend like Mary and she couldn't stop telling me how much she loves me! Mary's gift is like boomerang ...
Day 4 (14 April) - The Chips that stole Betty's Heart
Drove to Cape Woolamai, stopped at Anzac Beach. Oh we have so much fun at the beach.
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| Charlie's Angels 2014 |
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| Who has the sexiest feet? |
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Lets see, we have beautiful scene ...
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| Then there is Betty ... |
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| then Apo ... |
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| then Mary ... |
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| and there wasn't any picture of me, so I will have to show you my footprint |
Coming up is the Nobbies. We have a pleasant walk along the cliff-top boardwalks ...Before that we ordered some chips that melt Betty's heart. She kept thinking about the chips the next day and the next ...
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| Mary is obviously dressed for the occasion |
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| Mary - this is the photo to use for the online dating site - it brings out the natural beauty in you |
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| According to Apo, she doesn't like her pictures being taken - self denial? Just count number of photos she is in! |
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| Where is Apo? |
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| Here I am! |
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| Blowhole |
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| Same blowhole, I decided to put some special effect |
We drove a bit further up and enjoyed the sunset ...
Day 5 (15 April) - The Morning Walk (that broke Julie's heart), Family Visit, The day I found out I was a rock!
I decided to go for an early morning walk, Apo and Mary were fast asleep, Betty was awake when I tried to sneak out. So we went for a walk along the beach together. (At this point, I have to emphasize to Julie that there is nothing going on.) We didn't even take any pictures. When we got back over 2 hours later, Cinderella (aka Apo) and Master Chef (aka Mary) were still asleep! Betty and I just couldn't believe it, we did expect to have our breakfast ready, we were really disappointed. Sigh, I forgot to bring my remote control ...Some of us were getting homesick, so we decided to pay a visit to our family.
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| Mary, oops, I meant bully in action. This one just snatched the food from Mary |
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| Family Portrait |
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| Alternative group photo - wonder who is the black swan |
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| Betty can relate to this easily - eat, sleep, eat, sleep (repeat) |
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| I like this one - very similar pose ... |
The day is long, we still have time to kill, so we decided to drive to Pyramid Rock for another leisure walk. (Truth is I drove, Mary and Betty fast asleep at the back of the car, while Apo tried to stay awake to keep me company. Yes, they are with a living saint and didn't even realise that!)
If any of you actually follow Mary's Facebook update, you would realise this is what she uploaded:
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| Apo |
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| Betty |
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| Me??? I am a rock? |
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| Mary |
After official complaint from many of my friends, Mary has no choice but to put this one up
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| The real me |
Day 6 (16 April) - The Vintage Sleeping Bag and the craving for pizza
Since arrival, Mary has been looking for a sleeping bag. So we went to St Vincent, Rotary, and any other shops that sell pre-loved stuff. She was so happy when she found her 'vintage sleeping bag' - the word 'vintage' took on a whole new meaning to us. The Junkyard Queen (aka Apo) also managed to find so many 'beautiful', 'cute' things to bring back. I was getting worried about how to fit all the stuff in my small car.
Meanwhile Betty has craving for pizza, it was unbelievable! I thought I was the normal one of the group until Betty commented that (better hold on tight to your seat) I am a 'depressed and malnourished anorexic'. (Julie, now you know why there is no way I can have any relationship with Betty!)
In case people think we are 'cheap', we thought we better went shopping for luxury goods at Rhyll.
Misc.
Before moving on to the last day, I just need to clear my mind of these photos and memories. They are very random, now you get a glimpse of how my mind works (literary).
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| I love tree, I just couldn't resist putting this one up - such a magnificent tree! |
They said opposite attracts, have a look at the following pictures:
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| My desk |
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| Apo's desk |
The following photos are for my Godmother - she will be so proud of me!
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| My student |
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| All good things must come to an end, out of alcohol ... |
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| In the beginning there were 4 ... |
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| then two got kicked out, so how many left in the other bed? The answer may surprise you! (Julie - you know the answer!) |
Breakfast, lunch, dinner - Betty will remember the food we have but she will have problem remembering with whom she has them with. So the following photos are absolutely necessary for future references.
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| Is this what we really think of each other ... |
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| Okay, we are good |
To my old classmates in Sibu, in case we run out of topic at our next reunion dinner ...
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| Who has the '4 flirty kiss' and who has the '2 loving kiss'? |
Day 7 (17 April) - When will I see you again?
Can't believe it's really over. It's hard to say good-bye after such a relaxing and laughter-filled holiday with friends you haven't seen for over 30 years! (including one I still haven't seen in person - Julie, I hope you enjoyed this trip as much as we did)
I dedicated this song 'When will I see you again' while driving to the airport, only Apo heard it, the other two were fast asleep at the back.
Special thanks:
To all my classmates, I hope one day you will make a reunion trip with your good friends. I really have a very memorable and relaxing holiday - to have friends that you can spend time together the way I did with these 4 (this is not a typo!) is truly a blessings.
Hope to see most of you at the reunion dinner in 2015.
I dedicated this song 'When will I see you again' while driving to the airport, only Apo heard it, the other two were fast asleep at the back.
- Apo - Thanks for making this trip with me, I know it wasn't an easy decision to make.
- Ho Mei Ling - my cousin who managed to hunt down Apo for me, or this trip would not have happened
- Mary - for drinking with me, I know you shouldn't be drinking ...
- Betty - for taking the risk to go on a trip with that 'weird friend' of Mary
- Julie - you help made this trip more memorable in more ways than you realised (at times, it felt quite crowded in the car)
- Dee Dee - for making an effort but couldn't make this trip, we have to make it happen one day
To all my classmates, I hope one day you will make a reunion trip with your good friends. I really have a very memorable and relaxing holiday - to have friends that you can spend time together the way I did with these 4 (this is not a typo!) is truly a blessings.
Hope to see most of you at the reunion dinner in 2015.
